The Nine of Wands warns against being constantly on "red alert." Ask yourself how much defensiveness is enough in this situation? How much is just paranoia, or an over-reaction based on hard knocks of the past? If a challenge does arise, you will be in a better position to meet it than you think. Dedication, discipline, and persistence have prepared you for whatever comes your way, so don't get so geared up for trouble that you sit around waiting for it. If all your energy goes into protecting what you have, nothing real has been gained.